Addressing the Persistent Challenge: AFD Releases Comprehensive Report on Female Genital Mutilation
Paris, France – September 5, 2025 – The French Development Agency (AFD) has today released a significant and timely report titled “Face à la persistance des mutilations génitales féminines, état des lieux et perspectives pour lutter efficacement contre la pratique” (Facing the Persistence of Female Genital Mutilation: State of Play and Perspectives for Effectively Combating the Practice). This comprehensive publication offers a detailed examination of the ongoing prevalence of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) worldwide and outlines crucial strategies for its eradication.
The report, published on September 5, 2025, underscores that despite decades of international condemnation and numerous initiatives, FGM remains a deeply entrenched practice in many communities. It highlights the complex socio-cultural factors that perpetuate FGM, including deeply rooted traditions, gender inequality, and the misguided belief that it is a necessary rite of passage.
AFD’s analysis delves into the current global landscape of FGM, providing an updated overview of the countries and regions most affected. It acknowledges the progress made in some areas due to increased awareness, legislative action, and community engagement. However, the report also candidly addresses the persistent challenges, emphasizing that significant work is still required to achieve zero FGM.
A key focus of the report is the exploration of effective approaches to combat FGM. AFD emphasizes a multi-faceted strategy that encompasses:
- Community Empowerment and Education: The report stresses the vital role of engaging communities, particularly women and girls, in challenging harmful norms. Education programs that promote human rights, health consequences of FGM, and the value of girls’ well-being are presented as central to driving change from within.
- Legal and Policy Frameworks: AFD reinforces the importance of strong legal instruments and their effective implementation to criminalize FGM and protect survivors. The report likely examines how these legal frameworks can be better enforced and supported.
- Healthcare Sector Involvement: The document highlights the critical role of health professionals in identifying survivors, providing medical and psychological support, and crucially, in refusing to perform FGM.
- Partnerships and Collaboration: The report underscores the necessity of robust partnerships between governments, civil society organizations, international bodies, and local actors to create a united front against FGM.
- Addressing Root Causes: AFD acknowledges that tackling FGM requires addressing underlying issues such as poverty, lack of education for girls, and deeply embedded patriarchal structures.
“Face à la persistance des mutilations génitales féminines” aims to serve as a valuable resource for policymakers, practitioners, researchers, and all stakeholders committed to ending FGM. By providing an updated state of play and a clear set of perspectives, AFD hopes to galvanize further action and foster more effective, sustainable interventions.
The publication of this report by the AFD signifies a renewed commitment to supporting global efforts to protect the rights and well-being of women and girls and to ultimately eradicate the harmful practice of FGM.
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AFD published ‘Face à la persistance des mutilations génitales féminines, état des lieux et perspectives pour lutter efficacement contre la pratique’ at 2025-09-05 08:03. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.